Fawley on move - after 78 years

Fawley RFC are upping rugby sticks to move to a new headquarters after 78 years on their current ground.

The Snows Group Hampshire 2 side have decided on taking the massive step to a new part of the parish after years of contemplation, writes Clive Downton.

Fawley have been playing rugby at the Waterside Sports & Social Club since 1936 – for most of that time it was known as Esso Fawley Club.

But members have decided they want their destiny to be in their own hands and that means eventually building a clubhouse of their own and renting pitches from the parish council.

Last Saturday the club’s first XV registered a 34-14 over regular adversaries Ventnor and walked off their ‘home’ pitch for the last time.

Stalwart and coach co-ordinator, Les Jones, said plenty of thought had been put into the move.

He said: “The Fawley rugby club, from seniors right through to the Under 7s, are 100 per cent behind moving towards exciting times where their destiny is completely in their own hands.”

The new home will be opposite nearby Gang Warily and will be known as Newlands Park.

Plans are to submit planning permission and get work started on their own clubhouse within two years. Until then, they will share changing room and social facilities with reigning Sydenhams Wessex Premier Football League champions Blackfield & Langley.

“After 78 years it was odd to be standing in the Cadland Bar with no beer and the walls recently cleared of memorabilia, but as usual fun was at the core of the club,” added Jones.

Fawley’s remaining Hamp-shire games will all be played away with the hope of kicking off 2014/15 at Newlands Park.

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“We think we are moving forward,” said Jones. “The pitch is being levelled and seeded and we hope it will soon be ready for heavy rugby players to play on, but it could be October before it is ready.”

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